20LB Ansul Redline Cartridge (No Bracket) (Purple K)

The Ansul Red Line MIL-RP-K-20-E (Part No. 70146) is the bracket-free version of the 20 lb military-specification cartridge-operated Purple K extinguisher. It carries the same mil-spec design, ring-pin actuation, Purple K agent charge, and full UL, ULC, FM, and USCG approval as the bracket version (Part No. 15832) — the only difference is that this unit ships without a mounting bracket. This makes it the correct order for installations where a customer-supplied or previously installed mil-spec bracket is already in place, or for applications where the unit will be staged rather than permanently mounted.

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is the most effective dry chemical agent for Class B flammable liquid fires — approximately twice as effective per pound as sodium bicarbonate on fuel fires. The ring-pin (RP) actuation is a mil-spec configuration designed for reliable operation with gloved hands in field conditions. The unit meets military specification requirements for design, construction, and performance including resistance to the vibration, impact, and temperature cycling encountered in military vehicle, vessel, and ground support equipment environments. USCG approval is contingent on the unit being mounted in a compatible approved bracket — this unit's approval applies when paired with the appropriate separately purchased bracket.

MIL-RP-K-20-E Platform Features

• Ring-Pin Actuation: Positive pull indicator designed for reliable operation with gloved hands in field and combat conditions. Standard mil-spec configuration for vehicle and aircraft ground support applications.
• Purple K Agent: Potassium bicarbonate dry chemical — the most effective dry chemical agent for Class B flammable liquid fires, providing superior knockdown on aviation fuel, diesel, gasoline, and hydraulic fluid fires.
• Cartridge-Operated Reliability: Agent and propellant stored separately. The agent tank remains at atmospheric pressure until activation, providing reliable long-term standby in deployed environments where inspection intervals may be extended.
• Field Recharge: Can be recharged on-site without shop equipment — replace the nitrogen cartridge and refill with Purple K agent. Critical for forward-deployed operations.
• No Bracket Included: For installations requiring a bracket, order Part No. 15832 (with bracket) or source the appropriate Ansul-approved mil-spec bracket separately.
• 12-Year Limited Warranty: Ansul's 12-year limited warranty from date of delivery.

The MIL-RP-K-20-E without bracket is specified for the same high-hazard environments as the bracket version, and is the correct order when mounting hardware is already in place:

• Replacement Units for Existing Mil-Spec Bracket Installations: The primary use case — replacing a discharged or out-of-service MIL-RP-K-20-E in an existing approved bracket without needing to purchase a new bracket.
• Military Vehicles and Ground Equipment: Combat vehicles, transport trucks, and aircraft ground support equipment where the mil-spec bracket is already installed and only the extinguisher unit is being replaced or upgraded.
• Military Vessels: Shipboard installations where the bracket is fixed and only the extinguisher requires replacement. USCG approval applies when mounted in a compatible approved bracket.
• Aviation Ground Support: Flight line fueling equipment and ground support vehicles where Purple K's rapid knockdown on aviation fuels is specified and the mounting bracket is already in place.
• Staged Industrial Use: High-hazard industrial facilities staging Purple K units at fixed hazard points where mounting is handled separately from unit procurement.

The MIL-RP-K-20-E follows the same NFPA 10 maintenance requirements as the bracket version:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact, the ring pin is in place and tamper seal is unbroken, and the hose and nozzle are free of damage or obstruction. Confirm inspection tags are current.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must inspect all components, verify nitrogen cartridge condition, check the hose assembly, and confirm Purple K agent has not packed. Document on the inspection tag.
• USCG Compliance Note: USCG approval for marine use requires the unit to be mounted in a compatible approved bracket. Verify the separately installed bracket is an Ansul-approved mil-spec bracket rated for this unit before relying on USCG compliance.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal, cylinder interior inspection, and component replacement as needed.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The carbon steel agent tank must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements.

What is the difference between Part No. 70146 and Part No. 15832?

Both are the same MIL-RP-K-20-E unit with identical specs — 20 lb Purple K, ring-pin actuation, mil-spec construction. Part No. 70146 ships without a bracket. Part No. 15832 ships with a mounting bracket included. Order 70146 when replacing a unit in an existing bracket installation, or when your mounting hardware is being sourced separately.

Which bracket should I use with the 70146?

Compatible Ansul-approved brackets for the MIL-RP-K-20-E include multipurpose bracket Part No. 14091, heavy-duty bracket Part No. 30759, and ring-pin bracket Part No. 15665. Consult your authorized Ansul distributor to confirm the correct bracket for your specific vehicle or vessel installation.

Is USCG approval maintained without the bracket?

USCG approval for marine vessel use requires the unit to be mounted in a compatible approved bracket. The unit itself carries the USCG approval — but that approval applies only when the unit is properly mounted. An unmounted unit does not satisfy USCG vessel requirements.